Only found in California, Benitoite holds the prestige of
California's
State Gem and a
secret unveiling in 1907. The gem, first discovered near the headwaters of the
San Benito River, gained notoriety through UC Berkeley's Dr. George D.
Louderback's clear description.

About Benitoite:System: HexagonalAppearance:
Stubby,
prismatic, dipyramidal crystals, various shades of blue, often zonedPhysical Properties:Hard
(6.2 - 6.5),
heavy. Translucent to transparent with vitreous to subadamantine lusterEnvironment: Found in veins in the brecciated zone of blue
schist body associated with serpentiniteOccurrence:To date crystals have only been found at Diablo
Range in San Benito County, CaliforniaUses: Sapphire-blue specimens cut as gemstones are popular
[From Simon &amp Schuster's Guide to Rocks and Minerals]